State News

2:47 pm

Mon May 19, 2014

Proposed Chicago gun violence law stalls

A proposed law meant to reduce gun violence in Chicago has stalled in Springfield.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy have emphasized longer prison sentences for gun crimes as their top way to reduce the city’s gun violence. But that bill saw some harsh opposition from Illinois lawmakers who say it would add inmates to an already overcrowded prison system.

Democratic State Representative Mike Zalewski - from Chicago’s western suburbs - wanted the longer prison sentences. But now says he’s open to compromises.

ZALEWSKI: I tried to start the conversation with my bills earlier this year, but the conversations moved into a new direction. And so I’m hopeful that all that will come into play.

Zalewski wants a small committee of Republicans, Democrats, House members and Senators - to lead discussions over the summer and come up with proposals .

Spokesmen for the mayor’s office and the Chicago Police Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.